Cannabis Education

Seeds germinate in 1-7 days when provided with moisture, warmth, and darkness. Once sprouted, seedlings develop their first true leaves and establish their root systems. During this delicate stage, plants require gentle care, moderate humidity (60-70%), and soft light.

During the vegetative stage, plants focus on growing stems, branches, and leaves. Plants receive 18+ hours of light daily to prevent flowering. This stage allows for training techniques like topping, LST (low-stress training), and SCROG (screen of green) to maximize yields. Nutrients high in nitrogen support robust growth.

Triggered by a 12/12 light cycle, plants begin developing buds. Early flowering (weeks 1-3) shows pre-flowers and stretch. Mid-flowering (weeks 3-6) focuses on bud development with increased phosphorus and potassium. Late flowering (weeks 6+) sees buds mature and trichome production peak. Strain genetics determine the exact duration.

Before harvest, plants are "flushed" with plain pH-balanced water to remove excess nutrients from the growing medium and plant tissue. This improves the flavor, smoothness, and burn quality of the final product. Flushing typically begins 7-14 days before the anticipated harvest date.

Harvest timing is determined by trichome observation using magnification. Clear trichomes indicate immaturity, cloudy trichomes signal peak THC, and amber trichomes suggest more CBD and sedative effects. Most cultivators harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with some amber. Plants are cut down and prepared for drying.

Harvested plants are hung to dry in a dark room at 60-70°F with 45-55% humidity for 7-14 days. Once stems snap rather than bend, buds are trimmed and placed in airtight containers for curing. Containers are "burped" daily for the first week, then less frequently. Proper curing (2-8 weeks) enhances flavor, potency, and smoothness.